1-я кавалерийская дивизия отметила 105-летие масштабными спортивными соревнованиями на Форт-Худе

1st Cavalry Division celebrates 105th birthday with competitive ‘Cav Week’ at Fort Hood Soldiers trade daily duties for sports, camaraderie, and bragging rights during historic division celebration FORT HOOD, Texas (KWTX) - Soldiers at Fort Hood are taking a break from their normal daily duties this week to celebrate the long history and competitive spirit of the 1st Cavalry Division during the annual “Cav Week.” The weeklong celebration marks the 105th birthday of the legendary division, bringing troops together for some healthy competition. “Cav Week is our opportunity as a unit, as a division, the 1st Cavalry Division, to celebrate the competitive spirit of the cavalry soldier,” said Capt. Dylan Alder, an officer with the 49th Cavalry. Throughout the week, soldiers have been pushing their warrior spirit to the limit. Among those competing is 1st Lt. Elijah Malone, an officer with the 15th Cavalry, who welcomed the opportunity to test his limits. “Opportunity to go out and challenge myself and represent my unit well,” Malone said. “Ultimately, we’re trying to win this event as a unit. So, anything I can do to help the team.” Whether competing in weightlifting, flag football, or any of the other numerous sports scheduled throughout the week, the event serves a dual purpose: boosting morale and keeping the warrior spirit alive within the ranks. “I think it’s extremely important to boost morale and to show our allies and our adversaries that we are a strong, unified army,” Alder said. Even soldiers who aren’t competing directly are feeling the positive impact of the festivities. Pfc. Jonathan Hester, a soldier with the 182nd Field Artillery, spent his week refereeing the events rather than playing, but still noted a major shift in the atmosphere. “I do, I see a lot of boost in morale,” Hester said. “I feel like everybody needed this after a long week of working. So pretty much, we all needed this. It’s a break we all needed to have fun and be together.” With unit pride on the line, the drive to win remains intense. Throughout the fields, soldiers could be heard cheering and motivating each other. “Once we go to the field, let’s get after it,” one soldier yelled. “To the competition, best of luck, but 15th Cav, we’re winning this event,” another added. Those not participating directly are lining the sidelines, cheering on their battle buddies as they fight to prove their unit is the best in the 1st Cav. While every soldier hopes to take home physical awards for themselves and their units, most agree that the ultimate prize of Cav Week is simply bragging rights. Copyright 2026 KWTX. All rights reserved.